There is no need for vinyl on this craft, the sayings are all printed and copied onto scrapbook paper and then Mod Podged onto...get this... a paint stick! The best part...they cost next to nothing! I've put a tutorial together with all of my tips and tricks. (Don't be alarmed by the length of it, I just like details and thought you might too!)They are really quite simple to make.

It was a light bulb sort of moment when it came to me to use 5 gallon size paint sticks to make these ornaments. Paint sticks are the perfect thickness, the wood is already fairly smooth, and they come free (or close to it)!

Ready to get Started? Here's what you'll need:

Paint sticks: The paint sticks must be the large 5 gallon sticks (nearly 1 1/2" wide). Lowes will sometimes give them to you for free as well as Home Depot. Home Depot sells them in bundles. Wal-mart sells them for .28 each. Sherwin Williams paint sticks are too narrow, so don't get them there.

Tip: If you ask the employee if you can buy some from them to make a craft, most often they will just give them to you for free. Yep, FREE!

﻿No vinyl required... Vinyl can be expensive, and not everyone has access to a craft cutter. But don't worry, you don't need one...the sayings are printable...and I'm sharing them with you for free! There are 28 different words/sayings to choose from.

The Printable Templates are to be used FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY in your own home, church, or to give as a gift. They cannot be used on any items for sale or profit, this includes all fundraisors, sorry, no exceptions.

Template Example:

This is an example only, don't use this image, the quality is bad.

*IMPORTANT: If you are having problems downloading the templates it may be because you linked over from another site. You need to be on the direct link to this post to be able to access the file in Google Docs. Direct link: http://todaysfabulousfinds.blogspot.com/2010/11/printable-paintstick-ornaments-tutorial.html. Also, if you are using a work/school computer, your administrator may prevent you from downloading them from Google Docs, try downloading them to your personal computer if it doesn't work for you. You should'nt need to send me a Google Doc request to share them. Thanks!

The document includes a blank template so you can make up your own personalized sayings if you'd like.

Print the templates with your home printer onto white printer paper, use the normal or high quality setting.

Copythe template onto scrapbook paper using a copy machine. (Choose what paper you like, keep in mind that lighter to medium toned prints that aren't busy work best. The paper I used is from a book called Signature Suite by Jen Wilson)This is an important step. If you print it on an ink jet printer and don't use a copy machine to copy it to the scrapbook paper, your ink will run and blur when you Mod Podge the paper on. ( Exception: If you have a laser jet printer you can skip this step and print it directly onto the scrapbook paper, I've been told that the ink won't run.)

Black Wire: You can buy it at JoAnn Fabrics for $1.49 per roll.

Accents (optional): The star, heart, and snowflake rustic accents, are made by a company called Darice. Check your local craft store. They cost around $1.00 for a pkg. of 6-8. The bells were $1.00 for a small bag of about 30.

Paint: You can use acrylic craft paint, or spray paint them. The color I used for this set of ornaments is Valspar's Velvet Brown spray paint. It's the color of a Hershey's candy bar...yum! You can choose whatever color looks good with your scrapbook paper and tree. If you prefer a lighter color, Krylon's ivory spray paint is a good choice as well.

How to make them in 10 Steps

1. ﻿Clamp the paint sticks together in bundles and mark and cut them every 4". The best way to cut them is with a band saw, if you don't have one, you can use a jig saw, or a miter box and hand saw.

2. Lightly sand the sticks to smooth any rough parts (mostly the ends).

3. Drill 2 holes in the upper corners just bigger than your wire.

4. Paint the sticks.

5. Distress them by sanding the edges to expose some of the bare wood and then wipe the dust off. (If there is writing on the stick that will show through the paint, use that side as the front, the paper will cover it. You may need to sand the writing off of the border area a bit before you paint it if you are using a light paint color.)

6. Cut out your print. Make sure it is sized to the block. (Trim to fit, if necessary, so there is about a 1/8" border of paint showing around the paper.)

7. To get the inked look around the edges of the paper, find a rag, put it on your finger, dip it into dark brown paint, blot most of it off, and then lightly run your finger along the edge of the paper. You could also use a brown ink pad (I don't have one, so I improvised.).

8. Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the stick. Place your paper on it, gently smooth it flat, and let it dry thoroughly. Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge on top of the paper, being careful not to run your brush over it too many times and making sure the paper is flat and smooth. Let dry.

9. Cut a length of wire 9" long. Gently push it through the hole in the stick from the back and through the paper about 1". (It helps to put your finger over the hole where the wire is coming through so the paper doesn't tear.) Bend the wire up in the back. (If you are adding an accent, put it on the wire now.) Use needle nose pliers to twist the wire in a circle, then use the side of the pliers to push the wire down flat against the ornament.

10. Hang them on your tree, and every time you see them, think "Wow, I made those!" :)

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in a comment or e-mail me. If you make them leave me a link, I'd love to see them!

As soon as I can get to the store to buy a new camera, I'll show you how to make a snowman ornament using the top of the paint stick. :) Edited to add: Click here for the snowman ornaments

Today's Fabulous Find...Paint Stick Ornaments!

Edited to Add: I just finished another set of Paint Stick Ornament Templates with the Names of Christ and Christlike Attributes. Click here for the templatesand for new ideas on how you can use them!

*blink*... paint sticks?!? THAT is cool! They seriously look so pro done. You've really created an incredible project! And your tutorial is fab. You can never give the likes of someone like me too many details. I kinda do the same. LOL

Hi Janet. What a clever idea - These are super cute! Thanks so much for joining the Sunday Showcase - I greatly appreciate it. I have featured this today - stop by and grab a featured button if you like. Hope you have a fabulous week ~ Stephanie Lynn

Congrads! These are awesome!!!! My viewers really liked this link. It was the most viewed link at last week's Whatever Goes Wednesday party. I am featuring this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com today! Grab my "featured" button.

Janet I LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!! I was wanting to use these in Photoshop to add some digital scrapbook paper I have instead of buying it. However I can't open it since the file is multi-paged. I was wondering if you have just pages 2-3 of the 28 word templates available in jpeg form so I can add the background in. Thanks!!!

In response to Inspired2cook: Yes, you actually can do this with a larger sign. You can either 1. photo copy your print/quote onto your background paper and then mod podge it onto your board, or 2. mod podge a background paper onto the board first and then cut out seperate letters from scrapbook paper, or whatever paper you choose, and mod podge them on top of your background. It's a good idea to use thinner, even coats on large surfaces so your paper doesn't bubble up as it dries.

In response to the letter "J": In my experimental stage of the ornament design, I printed the words onto scrapbook paper. Here's the problem, unless you have a laser jet printer, the black ink will run when you mod podge over it, so it would still need to be color photo copied (which didn't look as nice). That said, if you'd still like them, I can help you, please e-mail me. :)

Hi, I just found you at The CSI Project! I love these ornaments!!! They are so cute and creative. Thank you for sharing the printable. I can't wait to try making some of them. I am your newest follower. When you have a minute, I'd love to have you stop by my blog.Sharon

Wanted to say hi! I am a new follower and love the paint stick signs! How original! Thanks for sharing the templates for them too. That is very sweet of you. Nice tutorial. I think I can make these! :) -Karen

I posted a picture on my blog of my finished ones. It is at the bottom of the post. http://joekaylyn-littlefamily.blogspot.com/2010/12/december-happenings.html.Thanks you for the idea again. I love your ideas.

I adored these btw!! I treied to make mine on shims (cuz I had a pkg)Well tidbit of info..... shims aren't treated wood so it sucked in all my paint. They still worked ok for a first go round, I put them on our packages instead of a bow!! Everyone loved them!! This will be my new tradition!! I would request you make some more word art though.. more holidays pleeezz!!!

In reply to Christy: You won't be able to edit the actual template because it's saved in the pdf format. There are three things that you can do. If you have a scanner, print the blank template and then scan it back into a document where you can add your word art over the top of the template. Another option is to take a snip of it and copy and paste it into a document where you can add the word art on top of it. If you snip it you will only be able to copy 4 of the squares, but you can copy and paste enough of them to make a full page once it's in the document. Here's a link to my post about snipping if you aren't familiar with it. http://todaysfabulousfinds.blogspot.com/2010/08/do-you-snip.htmlOne last option is to create a new template. Really, the boxes are there just as a guide so you know how big to make the word art and where to cut it. All you need to do is create a box that measures 1 1/4" x 1 3/4" for each ornament.

This is adorable. A suggestion for other readers, if you can't find an actual next buy those small grapevine wreaths, you might have to fashion a bottom or put it on something like you did here but it would look more natural. Don't you love when you can create for just a few pennies. A great little gifty too. :)

Janet, I just discovered this project, here in March of 2011, but DH and I are definitely going to make them for the coming Christmas. I have a question--how can I copy the different words on different scrapbook paper? I understand how to put your word sheet in the copy machine, put the scrapbook paper in the paper tray, and print, but then 14 of them would be on the same paper. What I don't know how to do is to put them of different papers. Does that make any sense? TIA, and I'm a new follower, and I love this project! KarenMO

In reply to Karen: You have the right idea to start early on Christmas! I tried to group some of the words together that you might want to print on similar colors, but if you want to change things around to save paper (good idea), I think that the best way would be to make several copies of the black and white templates. Cut the templates up with scissors, group them how you want, and then glue them on to another paper to copy onto the scrapbook paper. If you cut the words apart directly on the line, it shoudn't be a problem when you copy them. In fact, you could probably even just tape them down on the bottom side of the paper in the middle of each word, making sure you can still see the cutting line (you might have to draw it in with a pen). It's kind of the old-fashioned way, but I think it will work the best. Hope this helps, let me know how it goes or if you have any problems. :) ~Janet

Thank you so much for sharing these!!! I can't wait to make some to give away to my sweet sisters! Also, we have an auction every year at church to raise money for missionaries around the world. Church members donate items to be auctioned. I hope you don't mind if I make some to add to other handmade ornaments I'm making to donate. You are awesome for sharing and so creative!!! ;-) I can't wait to look around your blog!

To Vicki: Thanks for reading! I have it set up so you will need to access the templates through the link in this post. I just tried it and it worked for me, so I'm not sure what isn't working for you. Were you clicking on the link in this post when it said they weren't available?

I started making these tonight after work! Stopped by Lowe's and picked up 10 of the large paint stir sticks. Asked how much they cost and the clerk told me to take them, even though I wanted 10! woo hoo! Printed the little signs on tea-stained paper that I had on hand. Cut the sticks, sanded them to round the edges, and painted them with olive colored paint I had. Am afraid to cut the holes in them (I'm not good at that), so will hot glue jute twine to the sides to form a loop hanger on top. Thanks so much for the idea!!!!

I was wondering where you or anyone that has made these got the rustic accents. I have tried Michaels, Jo Anns, but they didn't have them. Thanks for the templates,I am making 30 of these for a Christmas luncheon.

This is such a fabulous idea! Thank you very much for the printables and for the great tutorial. I so appreciate the ideas you share. They're at a level that most anyone can do, they're economical and they are always terrific looking.

Just wanted to share with you the ornaments I was able to make with your inspiration. I wasn't brave enough to drill a hole in them to run wire through, so I used jute string and hot glue. Love them! Thanks again for the wonderful templates!!

Quick question...when you say use a copy machine, do you mean that you put the scrapbook paper into the paper tray and copy directly onto the paper? Will places like Kinkos or an office store do that for you?? These are so great! I want to use them as gift tags for my family's presents! Thanks!!

To anonymous: Yes, you're right. You just cut the paper to letter size and load it in the tray. I went to a self-serve copy center, so I'm not sure about Kinkos, but I don't see why they wouldn't. You can always ask. :)

I made 30 of these ornaments and attached them to favors I made for a Christmas luncheon this year. Everyone really liked them. I made one side of the ornament about the favors and the other side was the free printable ornament sayings.http://flickr.com/gp/71778230@N04/3J71A8

Hey Janet..great idea..only thing is I tried to print out your templates and they are too short for my paint sticks that are cut to 4"...do you have templates that print out to exactly 4"??? Pls. help..my project is at a standstill because of this issue. Thanks!!

To Violet: Carsuch is right, they are slightly smaller to allow a border. If you want them to go all of the way to the edge, then when you go to photo copy them, select on the copy machine to enlarge the copy slightly. I think it should work. Just practice on a blank white paper first before you try it on your scrapbook paper so you don't waste it. Sorry I didn't get to you sooner, I was trying to get some Christmas shopping in. :)

To'Carsuch': Thanks for answering Violets question, that was very nice of you! We all know how it feels to be working on a project and hit a snag. :)

I made these for Christmas for my friends, family and as teacher gifts 30 in all so far! I love them! Thanks so much for the wonderful idea!! I think they turned out great!! I used a gold paint and red wire for mine, very cheery I think!

To Acceptance with Joy: You're welcome, I'm glad they turned out so well. Thirty is a lot to make! I know. ;) I love the idea to use red wire and gold paint, I bet they look so cute! Thanks for your comment. :)

Hi, I'm back again. I featured your signs on my blog back before Christmas and suggested how they could be used for a wedding. Well I finally got around to making one. I combined yours with another idea I had seen. Thought you might want to take a look at what you helped inspire. Thanx for the inspiration.Phyllis www.theweddinggals.net

I made these in December with all of our names, kids, grandkids, pets and hung them on our Christmas tree. I made a smaller set for each family. This project was so much fun. I put a bell, fake candy or small light on one corner of each sign.

To Anonymous: The templates are black and white. You will need to print them first and then photocopy them onto colored scrapbook paper. It's all explained in the post right under where you click to download them. Have fun! :)

Hi Melanie, I bought the wire at JoAnn Fabrics. At my location it's hanging from a hook across from the packaged feathers and other craft items--I think. :) They can point you to it, I'm sure. Glad you asked. :)

To kharliebug: If you are having problems downloading the templates it may be because you linked over from another site. You need to be on the direct link to this post to be able to access the file in Google Docs. Direct link: http://todaysfabulousfinds.blogspot.com/2010/11/printable-paintstick-ornaments-tutorial.html

Hi Trish,I included the blank template to use mostly as a guide. What you can do is print it, then scan it into a document and size it to the correct dimensions. Once it's sized right you can add your words and clip-art over the top of it. It might be faster and easier to just make one from scratch though. Hope this helps you some!

I belong to an ornament exchange group. This is so easy and cute. I sure hope that none of the other ladies see it. Thanks for sharing this great idea. After I saw it i thought "Why didn't I think of that!" giggle. good job

Love these. Getting ready to make them again this year. Just so everyone knows the paint sticks from Home Depot and Lowes are skinnier this year than last year. So the papers don't fit as perfect as they did last year. I haven't recut the papers but hopefully none of the words get cut off.

I'm happy you like them, thank you! I just got some paint sticks from my Local Home Depot and they are the same size. I wonder if they are in the process of switching to a smaller size. If you test the templates with the paint stick before you copy them onto the scrapbook paper you can decrease the copy size as needed to get them to fit. This will save you a lot of trimming. :) Thanks for your tip!

To Alicia: I'm glad you got them. I'm a little frustrated with Google Drive, I have it set so that you should be able to print/download them without signing in. I hope they can get the problem fixed soon.

To Anonymous: If you don't have a drill or one that you could borrow, you could try using a nail and a hammer. Your chances of the wood splitting though are pretty high. Another option would be to use jute instead of wire and hot glue it on. Good luck! :)

Hi Tara! I bought the little metal accents at a local craft store and used hot glue to attach them to the ornaments. I haven't had any problems with them falling off...yet. You might want to use a glue that is meant for both metal and wood though for long term durability.

Thanks! I live in Canada, so it might not be worth the shipping to order the metal ones. I'm going to look around here and see what I can find. I have cute little wooden ones I could paint and maybe they'll look ok.

These are awesome! I love the names of Christ and was looking for something exactly like this! I hate to be picky, but it will drive me nuts to have something spelled incorrectly on my tree, so could you upload the names of Christ with Counselor spelled correctly? Or send it to me at ellen.m.bishop@gmail.com. Thanks!

To Ellen: I'm glad you like the ornaments, thank you! I went back and forth on the spelling of Counsellor, and in the end I went with the correct spelling according to the King James Version of the Bible.

http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/search.php?q=counsellor&hs=1

Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

and from the Messiah: http://classicalmusic.about.com/od/baroqueperiod/tp/Lyrics-And-Excerpts-Of-Handel-S-Messiah.htm

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given,and the government shall be upon His shoulder:and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."

If you'd still like me to change it for you, let me know and I should be able to find some time to do it later tonight. :)

Hi Carla, sorry you're having problems. Send me a request to share them in Google Docs and lets see if that works. If it doesn't, then send me a quick e-mail so I have your e-mail address and I will send them to you.

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You are welcome to use the ideas I share here for your personal use only. I ask that if you use one of my original ideas that you give proper credit and include a link back to Today's Fabulous Finds. You have permission to use one photo per post for a blog feature so long as you include a link back to Today's Fabulous Finds and it is used in a positive manor. Please link here for my free printable's, do not post them on your blog. Printable's may not be reproduced to sell in any form. You are not permitted to copy the text directly from my posts/ tutorials. For use of any other content from this blog please e-mail me first for permission. Thanks!